ABSTRACT
When conducting fieldwork in ethnically distinct areas, or far from large cities, local researchers have a number of distinct advantages. Beyond the convenience and cost of travel, or ease in overcoming suspicion, locals are more able to find the right sort of intermediary, who can ease the researcher’s entry into the field. Introduction from an intermediary is only a start. In order to conduct our work smoothly and with depth, we must first read about the area to learn about the particular customs and prohibitions of the people we will be visiting, prepare appropriate gifts, and learn the skills of active and attentive listening to interact with our interview partners. Because local researchers are more able to be accepted as insiders, and thus more privy to secret or negative information, we must be aware of a greater ethical responsibility to our interview partners.
